Mamata Banerjee Book Controversy: In a significant move, West Bengal's new government has decided to take former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's books off the shelves of the state's public libraries. Among the works being pulled is her widely talked-about poem 'Epang Opang Jhapang'. Officials argue that any book which carries no real value in terms of education or character-building has no genuine reason to occupy space in a library.
No More Compulsion to Buy 90 of Mamata Banerjee's Books
The government has made it clear that libraries will now give priority and space to the writings of great figures such as Rabindranath Tagore and Swami Vivekananda. This new policy directly cancels the order of June, 2025, under which schools were required to purchase nearly 90 books written by Mamata Banerjee.
Non-Essential Books to Be Cleared From Libraries
Commenting on the matter, Library Minister Gauri Shankar Ghosh said that the previous government had run the state in a dictatorial manner, which is precisely why Mamata Banerjee's books were forced into the libraries. He added that now that a new government is in power, all such non-essential books will be removed.
So What Exactly Is 'Epang Opang Jhapang'?
'Epang Opang Jhapang' is a much-discussed poem written by former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Her collection of poems was published under the title 'Kavita Bitan'. It is worth noting that 'Kavita Bitan' literally translates to 'a garden of poems'.
Has Mamata Banerjee Written More Than 150 Books?
Notably, Mamata Banerjee has so far written more than 150 books. She penned her first book, 'Uplabdhi', back in 1995. The list of her prominent works includes Trinamul Stare Trinamuler Joy, Kabita Bitan, Guldasta-e-Shayari, Sishumon and Duare Sarkar. In addition, Mamata Banerjee has also authored several other books such as Aamar Jungle, Aamar Pahar, Ajab Chhada, Singur Joyee, Banglar Kanyashree and Sahishnuta. All of these books of hers have already been translated into English, Urdu and other languages.
Another Setback After Losing Power
It is worth remembering that Mamata Banerjee has been voted out of power after a full 15 years. At present, she also faces the serious challenge of holding her party, the TMC, together and keeping it alive. Most of her MPs and MLAs have turned rebellious. In such a climate, the removal of her books from West Bengal's libraries is being seen as yet another major blow for her in the middle of this crisis.
